Health

The need for effective leadership and working partnerships in the fight against the AIDS epidemic in Africa is an explicit prerequisite in the wake of the current financial turmoil. It is now more important than ever that the available money is spent wisely, and the implementation of programmes to combat HIV and AIDS is based on the experience research that has been conducted over the past quarter of a century

The schism evident in the responses to the HIV and AIDS epidemic is drawn along the lines of acceptance and denial, of treatment and prevention, and of survival and living. Yet both sides - of outrage and solidarity - seek the moral stance of protecting the dignity of life. What is required is to accept the reality of HIV, focus on prevention – ultimately more effective and cost-efficient than treatment – and promote survival and life, instead of dwelling on fear and death

The 4th Southern African AIDS Conference was held in early April 2009 under the theme 'Scaling up for success'. At the top of the agenda was to explore and provide insights into factors that drive HIV and AIDS responses in Southern Africa, and to identify what is and is not working in the region’s efforts to combat the epidemic. Only time will tell whether the abundant research findings that were presented at the conference will ultimately lead to a more effective response in the region most profoundly affected by the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

The government is responsible for the failure of the country’s healthcare system says the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). The commission launched a report entitled “Public Inquiry: Access to Health Care Services” on 16 April 2009 in Johannesburg. The report found that poverty is a major cause for ill-health and is also a key barrier to accessing health care services.